5 Ways to Address Change

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1. Training, training, and more training! Technology Coach(es) or technology personnel could offer sessions on all aspects of using equipment, operating systems, software, school applications, grade book applications, e-mail, networks, file storage, etc. Casual, or formal, training sessions are one of the best ways to provide support and practice with technology in a building or district. Training and support on a consistent basis is needed to educate peers. Training by technology personal, outside software representatives, or in-house Technology Coaches put a support system in place to give teachers training on equipment use, computer use, software and curriculum integration of technology.
2. Co-teaching with Technology Coaches! Having a dedicated faculty member in the building that designs lessons using appropriate technology provides a starting point for peers and maintains a network of further support with technology integration. After one or several projects that are co-taught, the classroom teacher’s confidence should be adequate to continue integrating effectively as future course units are tweaked to include technology.
3. Share, share, share! Share ideas about technology use at faculty meetings by adding it into the agenda or assigning departments turns on a rotating basis. Share technology tips via newsletters, school websites, and e-mail. Share technology integration lessons at district in-services by software type, by department or by grade level. Create a blog or wiki for teachers to share their successes and failures and to post lessons and tips and tricks for classroom management.
4. Public Relations! Spotlight student work to administrators, inviting them into the classroom during or after technology projects. Take students to local tech fairs or hold a tech fair at your building, inviting the public to attend. Invite parents into the classroom during technology projects for their help with managing student collaborative teams. Post student work on websites, blogs, or wikis and advertise or invite public comments. Hold friendly class, grade level, or building competitions for the best logo designs or dynamic movies. Hold pizza or ice cream parties when an cross-curricular unit or project is over and celebrate with food and written reflections on technology growth for both students and staff.
5. Technology Committee! An established committee in the district comprised of central office administrators, principals, technology personnel, and representative staff encourages communication and collaboration at all levels. Staff needs and fears can be allayed through coordinated trainings, in-service planning can be modified to include technology, and a system of contacts and hierarchy can be established to provide technology support with network issues, computer problems, curriculum coordination, and professional development.